Syrah vs Grenache
Syrah
A dark, structured red grape with black pepper and violet, closely associated with the northern Rhône and called Shiraz in Australia.
- Black pepper
- Violet
- Firm tannin
Recognize it
Deep color, firm tannin, and medium acidity, with dark fruit, black pepper, violet, olive, and dried herbs. Pepper is more common in cooler-grown examples.
Grenache
A pale, high-alcohol black grape with ripe red fruit and relatively soft tannin, central to Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Priorat.
- Strawberry
- Soft tannin
- High alcohol
Recognize it
High alcohol with ripe red fruit and relatively soft tannin for the weight. Strawberry and red plum are common. Color is often paler than the body suggests.
How they compare
- SimilarCan be full-bodied and high in alcohol.
- DifferenceGrenache is paler, redder-fruited and usually lower in tannin.
- SimilarFull body and ripe fruit.
- DifferenceSyrah is darker, pepperier and more tannic.